Fine Living Top 10: Cigar Lounges

Number 7

Ozio Lounge

Washington DC, U.S.

Ozio, a staple of the U.S. capital since 1995, relocated to M Street in the northwest quadrant in 2000, and hasn’t looked back. Threaded through Ozio’s four levels you’ll find six bars, six fireplaces, three private rooms, and a walk-in cigar humidor. The top two levels are reserved for VIPs.

They offer a full menu and a broad selection of alcohol, although their Scotch list is lacking. Fortunately, their cigar list is not, offering dozens of fine brands to select from, including Macanudo and Partagas.

Choice smoke: Their selection of Arturo Fuentes is the biggest, but avoid the Opus X, which is overpriced at $50 USD.

Number 6

Bare & Cigar

Oslo, Norway

Oslo’s cigar enthusiasts and urban sophisticates alike know that Bar & Cigar is the only place they can find a comfortable seat, a smooth Cuban smoke, and good conversation all in one place. Unfortunately, the smoking ban means enjoying your smoke on an outdoor patio.

Its ambience is highlighted by a supremely knowledgeable and friendly staff, along with a full bar that features hundreds of cognacs and a good selection of Scotches.

Choice smoke: Choose among a wide variety of both Cuban and Dominican cigars.

Number 5

Whiskey & Cigar Bar, The Lamb Inn

Wiltshire, England

Not too far from Stonehenge is the village of Hindon, Wiltshire, where you’ll find The Lamb Inn and its renowned Whiskey & Cigar Bar — a favorite escape for London’s cigar enthusiasts.

The Bar’s humidor offers a wide selection among 12 esteemed brands of cigars, such as Bolivar, Trinidad, Montecristo, and Cohiba (including the Robusto, Esplendido and the Siglo VI). And as you might expect in England, the Scotch selection is enormous.

Choice smoke: Ask for what they have from Partagas, which historically is a very fashionable cigar in England.

Number 4

Havana Club

Baltimore, U.S.

Located on Water Street above Ruth Chris Steak House, for years Baltimore’s Havana Club has been the city’s top address for cigar aficionados to live the Latin lifestyle, whether relaxing in their leather sofas and chairs or working things out on the dance floor.

Custom-made and personalized humidors are available to go along with a lengthy cigar selection, which includes Padron Anniversario 1926, and 1964, Arturo Fuente Don Carlos and many more.

Choice smoke: Since you can’t buy genuine Cuban cigars in the U.S., show up on Wednesday night for Latin dance lessons, then return two nights later to put your newfound salsa skills to the test.